<i>The Simpsons</i> co-creator diagnosed with terminal cancer

Sam Simon , one of the creative minds behind long-running hit cartoon The Simpsons only has months to live after revealing his terminal diagnosis.

Sam Simon, one of the creative minds behind long-running hit cartoon The Simpsons only has months to live after revealing his terminal diagnosis.

The 57-year-old spoke to radio host Jon Leiberman about his battle with colorectal cancer.

"The diagnosis was — I was feeling bad for a couple years, and I was diagnosing myself from television talk shows, so I was taking antidepressants and I was trying to get my testosterone levels up," he said of the early stages of sickness.

"But then it turned out my primary cancer was colon cancer that had spread to my liver, kidneys, abdominal connective tissues and my lymph system and maybe my brain. They're not sure about that," he continued.

Diagnosed last year, Sam had kept quiet about his condition until now. He is currently undergoing chemo, but has been told by doctors that he may only have a few months left.

Also a philanthropist, Sam has been an outspoken advocate of animal rights group PETA as well as running the Sam Simon Foundation, which rescues and trains stray dogs. He also lives a vegan lifestyle.

Following the reports of his illness, Sam took to Twitter to thank his followers for their support, posting: "I was overwhelmed by all your kind tweets yesterday, and by how many of you care about animals, too!"

He added: "I have great docs, traditional and alternative, and I plan on beating this. Thanks, again!"

The Simpsons actor Hank Azaria later tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers are with Sam Simon and his family."

In addition to creating The Simpsons in 1989 with Matt Groening and James L Brooks, he has also enjoyed a career as a director, writer, producer and boxing manager.

Previously married to actress Jennifer Tilly and Playboy Playmate Jami Ferrell, he is engaged to chef and caterer Jenna Stewart.